The 29th becomes the 5th! The Rockets are crazy to transform and rise, and the Houston version of Jokic evolves too violently to disrupt the West
The Rockets have changed their face this season, recently winning six in a row and moving up to fourth place in the West. Compared to last season, the main changes for the Rockets are the change of head coach and the introduction of three more experienced players. The Rockets' offense and defense have been perfectly upgraded. In the latest edition of the official team power rankings, the Rockets rose to eighth place in the league.
Last season, the Rockets finished third from bottom in the league with a 22-60 record, 27th in offensive efficiency of 110.5 and 29th in defensive efficiency of 118.6. This season, the Rockets rank 11th in offensive efficiency of 113.1 and fifth in the league in defensive efficiency of 108.1.
The Rockets' six-game winning streak is no accident, as they beat the Kings twice during their six-game winning streak, as well as the Lakers and defending champion Nuggets, with a very high gold content. The Rockets have truly transformed themselves into a team capable of contending for a playoff spot.
The Rockets' offseason adjustments were very successful, and coach Udoka's replacement of Silas was one of the most correct decisions. The Rockets decided to hire Udoka as their head coach early, and then spent a lot of money on the free agent market, signing Van Jordan for $130 million for three years, Dillon for $80 million for four years, and Jeff Green for $6 million for one year. All three contracts are above market value.
But the three of them have been a huge help to the Rockets, not only for their individual performances, but also for pushing and helping the young players improve. "Van Vleet, Jeff Green and Dillon have been monitoring us all the time. It's been fantastic for us. We're constantly learning. Center forward Shen Jing said.
Van Jordan averaged 17.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game for the Rockets this season, and repeatedly played in the final quarter to help the Rockets win. Dillon averaged 13.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 55.1% from the field, 53.3% from three-point range and 84.0% from the free-throw line. Veteran Jeff Green averaged 7.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game off the bench while shooting 61.1 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three-point range.
Rocket center Shen Jing ushered in a metamorphosis this season, averaging 19.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game, shooting 60.0% from the field, just like the style of the Rocket's version of Jokic, he became the Rockets' top scorer this season, and rebounding is also the first on the team. Jalen Green averaged 19.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, and Jabari Smith Jr. averaged 12.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
The Rockets showed plenty of roster depth, with Tate, Ethan, Amen Thompson and Aaron Holiday all performing well in addition to Jeff Green. So much so that Landale and Whitmore had very few opportunities to play. The Rockets became strong and became the spoilers of the West. Whoever underestimates the rocket will pay the price.